The News Centre Portsmouth: Questions over environmental assessments before bus depot plans are finalised

The bus company has applied for an environmental impact assessment (EIA) screening opinion for the construction of their new “super depot” at the site of the former printing press on London Road. The demolition of the building, which started in October, was approved under a General Permitted Development Order and First Bus said it wants to keep up to 100 electric buses at the side to meet its net-zero aims.

First Bus is required to ask the local authority whether an EIA is necessary which identifies and mitigates environmental impacts, ensuring sustainable development and informing subsequent planning applications.

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Planning documents said: “The proposed development consists of the provision of an all-electric bus depot for First Hampshire and Dorset Ltd which is to accommodate up to 100 12-metre electric buses.

“The purpose of the proposals is to transform the First Bus fleet to being run on electricity and contributing to the group’s carbon net-zero targets.

“The proposed bus depot development will also operate during the daytime, when buses are out on their routes, as an electric charging station for local businesses and the public.

“The electric charging station will enable Portsmouth Council and local businesses to develop towards their own carbon zero targets.

“The redevelopment of the site includes demolition, however, this element of the site’s redevelopment has been subject to a separate prior notification process which has already concluded.

“Demolition has commenced, as such this element is not subject to the screening opinion request.”

It finishes by saying the proposal would not constitute an EIA development “either solely in respect to one particular issue or cumulatively”.

Heritage and architectural groups have objected to the scheme, stating the former new centre retains intangible and historical value to the city. The News Centre became The News’ headquarters in 1969 after its relocation from Stanhope Road. It served as the newspaper’s base until 2013 when advertising and editorial staff relocated.

Printing operations persisted until 2020 when the facility was acquired by DMG Media, the publisher of the Daily Mail, Metro, and i newspapers.